In the Books | Pop Up Flea IV

Another Pop Up Flea in the books â€” a big thanks to all that participated, either as a vendor or those that just stopped by to check things out. The event has become much more than just a chance for folks to come and buy stuff, for that my cohort Randy Goldberg and I are truly proud. Speaking of Randy, much respect to him for all of his hard work and imaginative thinking. I would be hard pressed to name another project that I have as much fun producing â€” so cheers to you Mr. Goldberg. Pop Up Flea sort of came together at the last minute this year due to our struggles to find a suitable space. Eventually we found the venue (thanks to Whitney for that) and it was full speed ahead. I’m glad it all worked out. Randy and I are really proud of all that has come out of people attending the flea and the vendors putting in the effort to make it all happen. My thanks to all of them and to all that came by or supported other ways.

Below are some photos from the event. Some pictures are mine, some are via Travel Well and some are from Simple Threads.

Comments on “In the Books | Pop Up Flea IV”

I will be making it to a Pop Up Flea. I am running out of excuses not to come.

Jimon December 6, 2011@ 6:04 PM:

I know the American flag seems to be a standard prop to help you sell shit, but could you at least show some respect and not let it drag on the ground?

jjon December 6, 2011@ 7:17 PM:

I am trying to get a sense of how this worked. Were things for sale or was it more like a trade show? Could you buy everything the vendors were displaying other than the props? Did Levis and red wing have a booth?

Jakobion December 6, 2011@ 7:51 PM:

@JRS You Americans are crazy. It’s just a flag.

But then, I guess as an Australian, we have a shitty flag, so we don’t really show it the reverence you guys show yours.

Victoron December 6, 2011@ 8:21 PM:

My interpretation of a flea market is to find bargains. It is a great idea to find such wonderful companies all under one roof selling their wares, but with the internet age of today there was nothing there that couldn’t be found online .. All in all it was a lot of fun looking but one thing was missing..DISCOUNTS

Matton December 6, 2011@ 9:45 PM:

@Victor…keep in mind in certain cases like the guys at Billykirk and Tanner Goods (who both make amazing products) those guys are hand making that stuff in the US where people earn wages. They aren’t big companies that can afford to give discounts. More people should support American made products and companies that produce jobs that stay in this country. The Pop-Up is an amazing way to do it! My head almost exploded it was so awesome! Great job Michael, Randy and crew! Can’t wait for next year

Rhonon December 6, 2011@ 11:09 PM:

Some great ingenuity on your behalf. My wallet thanks work for not allowing me the time off, but I look forward to next year. Prefect collection of plaids.

Papa nuion December 7, 2011@ 6:50 AM:

Who are the guys standing under the weather vain with the table of canvas pants and totes?

Reigson December 7, 2011@ 8:18 AM:

This pop-up looked great! I don’t care about discounts (& I’m not rich believe me) – it’s about supporting well made well crafted products that won’t let you down that get better with age not cheap crap from China or wherever that’ll fall apart on you in 6 months.

Bennon December 7, 2011@ 9:05 AM:

@Jim: Thanks for saying that. The flag was the first thing that caught my attention. And I don’t consider myself to be “that guy who always has something to complain about.”

Besides that, what a rad event. I’m glad this event continues

Bruceon December 7, 2011@ 9:45 AM:

Great looking merch! Agree on the flag…please hoist it off the floor.

Spencerforhireon December 7, 2011@ 10:22 AM:

WHERE ARE THE VINTAGE DEALERS? I seem to only see “Vintage” reproductions….

Chrison December 7, 2011@ 10:28 AM:

Nice to see Levi’s actually had jeans on hand in sizes for tall skinny dudes like myself.

Were those Bean Boots an exclusive? Don’t think I’ve seen that leather finish before.

halberstramon December 7, 2011@ 10:37 AM:

everyone that clamors on about products made in the usa – have you ever driven a chrysler?

Makagaon December 7, 2011@ 11:14 AM:

Thank you for a great PopUpFlea, Michael. I had a nice time seeing all of the products and vendors.

Richard Austinon December 7, 2011@ 11:32 AM:

Great show, met some really cool vendors especially from Rancourt and Redwing (shoes are a weakness) and liked seeing all the USA made goods.
As for the comment on Chrysler, no but I have driven a Ford f 150 and that truck kicks ass. As do the recent Caddies.

Richard Austinon December 7, 2011@ 11:33 AM:

met some really cool vendors especially from Rancourt and Redwing (shoes are a weakness) and liked seeing all the USA made goods.
As for the comment on Chrysler, no but I have driven a Ford f 150 and that truck kicks ass. As do the recent Caddies.

Johnon December 7, 2011@ 12:32 PM:

And hang the flag the correct way. Blue field to the left. Jesus.

Andrew Payneon December 7, 2011@ 1:09 PM:

Yeah, a great time was had. I really enjoyed the opportunity to meet a lot of the designers behind some favorite brands. Congrats on a job well done, Michael and Randy- Cheers.

JDWon December 7, 2011@ 2:11 PM:

John has it right as well. The stars always go to the left unless you are a serviceman with the flag patch on your right shoulder (old glory does not look like its running away to the observer).

nderosaon December 7, 2011@ 2:35 PM:

@halberstram yes I have driven a Chrysler,Jeep,Dodge etc..yes there was a time when they were absolute shit boxes and the company was left for dead. But guess what genius when you put money and engineering into a company things turn around. So stop being troll and go look at the last info from Consumer reports etc on Chrysler. The news my shock your little brain.

I’m stoked to see what the new Dodge Dart is going to look like.

samon December 7, 2011@ 2:42 PM:

@Spencerforhire there was some vintage stuff upstairs

David S.on December 7, 2011@ 3:38 PM:

We don’t necessarily do pop ups very well in Southern California. (GAP pop ups… really?) We don’t do a whole lot of things well in Southern California for that matter with the exception of farmers markets. Thank goodness Mother Nature takes care of the weather for us or else we’d find a way to screw that up too.

In any case, I used to wonder what the big deal was about pop ups. After seeing these photos I get it. The pop up flea, when done right, is like a farmers market. It’s a chance to buy directly from the producer and learn about what goes into the products, how they are made and why they are making what they are making. Very cool. Congrats on a great event.

doaneon December 7, 2011@ 3:49 PM:

Levi’s dudes are layering it up

randallon December 7, 2011@ 4:18 PM:

Those Levi’s dudes and Secret Forts look like they’d rather be anywhere but there…but seriously, looks like a great time.

sonja markson December 7, 2011@ 5:43 PM:

You guys all look the same. Also. Did you know that “authentic” is just a trend? Wish you were more interesting.

Larry Felittoon December 7, 2011@ 7:43 PM:

I was pissed that nobody was selling pajama jeans (https://www.pajamajeans.com/) at this year’s PUF. Randy, Michael.. get on this ASAP for next year.

Have always had trouble finding a cardigan with a shawl collar that isn’t suepr chunky. These look great.

TMHon December 8, 2011@ 12:13 AM:

Maybe polaroids with a Drunked Bloody Fight Club Santa could be a Charming addition to PUFV? Just a thought. Such a great weekend. Thanks Again to Randy and Mister Wheatless

GENG-GRIZZLYon December 8, 2011@ 10:22 AM:

Uhhh… I know FOR CERTAIN/FIRST HAND that there were indeed some discounts to be found among the various brand booths. I didn’t pay anything close to retail for a buttery new Dehen 1920 varsity jacket (peace to James!).

And my man Note didn’t pay anything close to retail for a waterproof shell (forgot the brand) from Hickoree’s…although, I think that has more to do with Note being the man than a tagged discount.

Either way… I almost got a pair of Danners, too, since they are great boots and were going for 10% off (not much…but still…find me a better deal on the Stumptowns, please).

It was pretty cool overall. A lot of the brand people were genuinely welcoming and cool to shoot the shit with.

Matton December 8, 2011@ 12:09 PM:

I fully support the notions of American made, quality, craftsmanship. I, like a lot of people, do my best to support that idea.

The fact is that the majority of us are workers, in the same vein as the men and women who make these products.

I say this because the truth of the matter is that the average working man can’t afford these wears that are supposed to represent his class.

Chrison December 8, 2011@ 2:32 PM:

The flea was wonderful and i wanted everything but i left empty handed because (to quote matt) “the average working man canâ€™t afford these wears that are supposed to represent his class.”

jiheisonon December 8, 2011@ 3:08 PM:

These are no-doubt thoughtfully designed and well-crafted goods, but who is kidding who about serving the “average working man”? These are mostly luxury items specifically spec’d for and marketed to well-heeled urbanites (not that there is anything wrong with being a well-heeled urbanite who supports the market for luxury, USA-made goods).

Larry Felittoon December 8, 2011@ 4:06 PM:

@Jakobi Shawl Cardigan is Dehen 1920 out of Portland OR… made to last a lifetime… great people, great company.

Matton December 8, 2011@ 4:56 PM:

I guess the important thing is to remember that we are talking about fashion, which is a important and tangible way to represent yourself on the daily (and a lot of fun too).

All that being said, quality stuff is great, and so is America…fuck yeah.

I hope there is a pop up flea the next time I’m in NYC so I can drop my savings on some Beckmans in black cherry.

Or you guys can get one going in LA!

I’ll film it (shameless plug)

Jakobion December 8, 2011@ 5:05 PM:

Thanks Larry.

Travis Lewison December 9, 2011@ 12:21 AM:

It was great meeting and talking with you. It was totally worth the 12 hour drive from Ohio just to see some of the great items I’ve only ever seen on your site, and to meet the people behind them.
I went home a little poorer but with some cool stuff.
Thanks again for a great time and GO BUCS!

Travis

A.Cottonon December 9, 2011@ 11:50 AM:

These astronauts can’t even hang a flag correctly.

Jeffersonon December 12, 2011@ 11:57 PM:

Pick that flag up! Show some respect!

Samon December 13, 2011@ 12:25 AM:

You’re wearing $12 Wal Mart jeans made in Bangledesh and you probably drive a Hyundai.
Would you shut the fuck up about the flag.

Uncle Sam

Philipon December 13, 2011@ 8:23 AM:

Glad to see my good friend Ste Duffy at the NYO heeded my advice and paid PUF a visit!

Daveon December 13, 2011@ 10:43 PM:

Great to see all the flag call-outs. Get it off the floor and stars on the left. How does anybody let that happen? I thought it was an Americana crowd that was proud to be American and proud to use made in America goods. Come correct and hang Old Glory the right way next time. Please.

Miguel Ramalhaoon December 14, 2011@ 3:54 PM:

You guys should one Pop up Flea in Europe!! London maybe?

Lucas Helleron December 15, 2011@ 8:27 AM:

I think that this is a really cool event. Undoubtedly, American work wear has become a luxury trend unaffordable by most working men. I am a working man. I wear red wings. Even the finest pairs have never lasted me more then 2 years with daily cleaning and weekly reconditioning. I wear carhartt, because it is affordable and you could hang yourself upside down by the zipper without ripping a seam. The products here are more of an artisan solute to the vintage working class then a catering to modern workers. That’s why it was in SoHo. That being said, I have absolutely no problem and still think the event is cool as hell! It might have been cool to see a Pointer Brand display. That is an American company that offers a fine product at a competitive price,

M.A. Schulzon December 15, 2011@ 7:59 PM:

Pop Up Flea: Good! American Flag draped on the ground and hung incorrectly: So Bad.